Atlanta Falcons linebacker Lofa Tatupu will miss the season with a pectoral injury that he got lifting weights last week, coach Mike Smith announced on the team’s website Tuesday.

“As you know, Lofa suffered a pectoral injury last week,” Smith said. “After further testing, it was determined that he would require a procedure to repair the injury and unfortunately he will miss the entire season.”

Tatupu had been expected to compete for the starting middle linebacker job with Akeem Dent. In March, he had signed a two-year contract that included a $600,000 signing bonus.

Tatupu, 29, was a three-time Pro Bowl choice in six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He had knee and concussion problems in Seattle, and the team parted ways with him last summer when he would not agree to a restructured deal. He sat out last season.

The Falcons prepared for the loss of Tatupu by re-signing veteran linebacker Mike Peterson on Monday.

Tatupu was signed to help fill the Falcons' void created when Curtis Lofton signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency.